Cisco Kills the Flip Video Camera

Less than a month ago, it was reported that Microsoft was killing off its Zune player line. No one was surprised, not just because the device never emerged from the iPod's shadow, but also the prevalence of smartphones meant that everyone already had a very capable MP3 player in their pockets. Why carry two devices when one is capable of performing the functions of both?

In fact, the only thing that's surprising is that a progressive company like Apple is still pushing the iPod in 2011. Although, admittedly, the push isn't as aggressive anymore.

But the rise of the multifunctional smartphone means that more and more products are deemed obsolete and unnecessary. Notepads, point-and-shoot cameras, and now, consumer-grade camcorders.

In a company statement, Cisco announced its plans to "align its operations" and focus its remaining consumer business "to support four of its five key company priorities" -- core routing, switching and services; collaboration; architectures; and video.

Chairman and CEO John Chambers said, "We are making key, targeted moves as we align operations in support of our network-centric platform strategy." Adding, "As we move forward, our consumer efforts will focus on how we help our enterprise and service provider customers optimize and expand their offerings for consumers, and help ensure the network's ability to deliver on those offerings."

Hmm. Seems like a lot of corporate jargon just to say, "Flip ain't selllin'."